Mini drop terminal

ABSTRACT

A terminal for mounting to a fiber distribution cable includes a housing having a base and a cover. The cover is connectedly engaged with the base. The terminal further includes a plurality of adapters disposed on the cover. A fiber routing tray having a top panel and a bottom panel is disposed in an interior cavity. The fiber routing tray includes a storage space defined between the top and bottom panels for storing a length of optical fiber. A method for installing a terminal includes providing a terminal having a housing defining an interior cavity. A cable is pulled from the interior cavity of the housing. The cable is spliced to a fiber distribution cable with a splice. The cable is inserted back into the interior cavity. A spliced end of the cable, a spliced end of the fiber distribution cable and the splice are inserted in a retention device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/248,564, entitled “Mini Drop Terminal” and filed on Oct. 9,2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/978,638, filed Oct. 9, 2007, which applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic cable termination systems,and more particularly, to drop terminals used in fiber optic cabletelecommunication systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic cables are widely used to transmit light signals for highspeed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) anoptical fiber or optical fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surroundsthe fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer orbuffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carryoptical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner coresurrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g.,loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protectcoated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiberoptic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stressesapplied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Examplestrength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glassroving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused bycrushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets alsoprovide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter formechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the endsof the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of theferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapterincludes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving thefiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. The adapterincludes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of thefiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the portsof the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers alignedwithin the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from onefiber to the next. The adapter also typically has a mechanical fasteningarrangement (e.g., a snap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retainingthe fiber optic connectors within the adapter. One example of anexisting fiber optic connection system is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,579,014, 6,648,520, and 6,899,467.

Fiber optic telecommunication technology is becoming prevalent in partbecause service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities to subscribers. One such technology is referred to aspassive optical networks (PONS). PONS may use optical fibers deployedbetween a service provider central office, or head end, and one or moreend user premises. A service provider may employ a central office, orhead end, containing electronic equipment for placing signals ontooptical fibers running to user premises. End user premises may employequipment for receiving optical signals from the optical fibers. InPONS, the central office, or head end, transmission equipment and/or thetransmission equipment located at the end user premises may,respectively, use a laser to inject data onto a fiber in a manner thatmay not require the use of any active components, such as amplifiersbetween the central office, or head end, and/or the end user premises.In other words, only passive optical components, such as splitters,optical fibers, connectors and/or splices, may be used between a serviceprovider and an end user premises in PONS. PONS may be attractive toservice providers because passive networks may be less costly tomaintain and/or operate as compared to active optical networks and/orolder copper based networks, such as a public switched telephone network(PSTN). In addition to possibly being less expensive than other networktopologies, PONS may provide sufficient bandwidth to meet a majority ofend users' high bandwidth communication needs into the foreseeablefuture.

In PONS, transmission equipment may transmit signals containing voice,data and/or video over a fiber strand to the premises. An optical fibermay be split using, for example, passive optical splitters so thatsignals are dispersed from one fiber (the input fiber) to multipleoutput fibers running to, for example, user premises from a convergencepoint in the network. An optical fiber routed to a user's premises maybe routed via a fiber drop terminal en route to the premises. At thefiber drop terminal, signals appearing on one or more optical fibers maybe routed to one or more end user premises. Fiber drop terminals may bemounted in aerial applications, such as near the tops of utility poles,along multi-fiber and/or multi-conductor copper strands suspendedbetween utility poles. Fiber drop terminals may also be installed injunction boxes mounted at ground level and/or in below-grade vaultswhere utilities are run below ground. Example fiber drop terminals aredisclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,347; U.S. Patent Publication No.2005/0213921 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,763); and U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2006/0153517 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,680,388).

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a terminal for mountingto a fiber distribution cable. The terminal includes a housing having abase and a cover. The cover is connectedly engaged with the base. Theterminal further includes a plurality of adapters disposed on the cover.A fiber routing tray having a top panel and a bottom panel is disposedin an interior cavity defined by the base and the cover. The fiberrouting tray includes a storage space defined between the top and bottompanels for storing a length of optical fiber.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a retention devicefor securing a fiber distribution cable to a terminal. The retentiondevice includes a base piece, a body and a cover piece. The bodyincludes a lower surface engaged with the base piece and an oppositelydisposed upper surface that defines a fiber passage. The fiber passagehas a recess configured to receive a splice that couples a first cableand a second cable. The cover piece includes a top surface and a bottomsurface defining a passage configured to receive the first and secondcables. The cover piece is adapted for snap-fit engagement with the basepiece such that the body is disposed between the base piece and thecover piece.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method forinstalling a terminal. The method includes providing a terminal having ahousing defining an interior cavity. A multi-fiber cable is pulled fromthe interior cavity of the housing. The multi-fiber cable is spliced toa fiber distribution cable with a multi-fiber splice. The multi-fibercable is inserted back into the interior cavity of the housing. Aspliced end of the multi-fiber cable, a spliced end of the fiberdistribution cable and the multi-fiber splice are inserted in aretention device.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a terminal having features that areexamples of aspects in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the terminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a front side of a cover of the terminalof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear view of the cover of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an angled step of the cover takenon line 3A-3A of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an angled step of the cover takenon line 3B-3B of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adapter suitable for use in theterminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 1A having analternate embodiment of adapters.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an anchor block suitable for use in theterminal of FIG. 1A having features that are examples of aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a divider suitable for use with theanchor block of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cable seal suitable for use in theterminal of FIG. 1A having features that are examples of aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fiber routing tray suitable for usein the terminal of FIG. 1A having features that are examples of aspectsin accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an expanded view of the fiber routing tray of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber routing tray taken online 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a cable routing scheme for theterminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a retention devicesuitable for use in the terminal of FIG. 1A having features that areexamples of aspects in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of the retentiondevice of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a body of the retention device of FIG.14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cover piece for the retention deviceof FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fiber passage of the cover piece ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a boot suitable for usewith the terminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of an installation scheme for theterminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of an installation scheme for theterminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of an installation scheme for theterminal of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a retentiondevice suitable for use with the terminal of FIG. 1A having featuresthat are examples of aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 24 is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of the retentiondevice of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a protective boot suitable for use withthe retention device of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an exploded, perspective view of a fiber optic connectionsystem suitable for use in the terminal of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, a terminal, generally designated 10, formounting to a fiber distribution cable 12 is shown. The terminal 10includes a housing, generally designated 14, having a base, generallydesignated 16, and a cover, generally designated 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-2, the cover 18 includes an outer surface 20,an oppositely disposed rear surface 22, a top wall 24, an oppositelydisposed bottom wall 26, and sidewalls 28. The terminal 10 defines afootprint area that is defined by an outer perimeter 30 of the cover 18.In the subject embodiment, the footprint area is defined by the top wall24, the bottom wall 26, and the sidewalls 28. In the subject embodiment,the footprint area is generally rectangular in shape. It will beunderstood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the cover having a footprint that is generally rectangular inshape. In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, thefootprint area of the terminal 10 is less than 25 in². In anotherembodiment, the footprint area of the terminal 10 is less than 21 in².

The outer surface 20 of the cover 18 includes a plurality of angledsteps, generally designated 32. In the subject embodiment, and by way ofexample only, there are four angled steps 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d. Theangled steps 32 are configured on the outer surface 20 of the cover 18in arcuate shaped rows. This arcuate row configuration efficientlyutilizes space on the outer surface 20 of the cover 18 thereby allowingfor a compact size of the terminal 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 1C, 3A and 3B, each angled step 32 includes aplurality of mounting surfaces 34 on which are disposed adapters 36. Inthe subject embodiment, and by way of example only, each angled step 32a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d includes three mounting surfaces 34 a, 34 b, 34 c.Each mounting surface 34 a, 34 b, 34 c is disposed on the angled step 32such that each mounting surface 34 a, 34 b, 34 c is oriented at anoblique angle γ (shown in FIG. 3A) to the base 16 and forms a matingangle α (shown in FIG. 3B) with each adjacent mounting surface 34 a, 34b, 34 c on the angled step 32. The mating angle α is defined as thespace between adjacent mounting surfaces 34 having a common edge withthe adjacent mounting surfaces 34 diverging from each other. Forexample, in the subject embodiment, the mounting surface 34 a of theangled step 32 a shares a common edge 39 (shown only in FIG. 1B) withthe adjacent mounting surface 34 b. The mounting surface 34 a forms amating angle α₁ with the mounting surface 34 b. In the subjectembodiment, the mating angle α₁, which is measured on the outer surface20 of the cover 18, is an oblique angle. In the subject embodiment, andby way of example only, the mating angle α₁ is less than about 210degrees. In one embodiment, the mating angle α₁ is about 190 degrees.Similarly, the mounting surface 34 c forms a mating angle α₂ with themounting surface 34 b. In the subject embodiment, the mating angle α₂ isan oblique angle. In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only,the mating angle α₂ is less than about 210 degrees. In one embodiment,the mating angle α₂ is about 190 degrees. The angling of each of themounting surfaces 34 with respect to the base 16 and to the adjacentmounting surfaces 34 further efficiently utilizes the space of the outersurface 20 of the cover 18 thereby allowing for a compact size of theterminal 10.

In the subject embodiment, the adapters 36 are oriented on each of theangled steps 32 such that one adapter 36 is disposed on each of themounting surfaces 34 of each of the angled steps 32. The adapters 36 areoriented on the mounting surfaces 34 such that the adapters 36 aregenerally perpendicular to the corresponding mounting surfaces 34. Theadapters 36 are oriented in an arcuate configuration on each of theangled steps 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 26, the adapters 36 include a first port37 for receiving a connectorized end of a first cable having a firstfiber optic connector 332 and a second port 38 for receiving aconnectorized end of a second cable having a second fiber opticconnector. The first cable is optically coupled to the second cable whenthe connectorized ends of the first and second cables are positionedwithin their respective ports 37, 38 of the adapter 36. The adapters 36of the subject embodiment have been described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/657,404 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,595), which was filed onJan. 24, 2007 and which is hereby incorporated by reference. It will beunderstood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the adapters 36 shown as the adapters 36 can be any of avariety of adapters 36 including, but not limited to SC, angled SC, dualSC (shown only in FIG. 5), LC, dual LC, etc.

The first connector 332 and the adapter 36 are hardened or ruggedized.By hardened or ruggedized, it is meant that first connector 332 and theadapter 36 are adapted for outside environmental use. For example, thefirst connector 332 and the adapter 36 can include environmental sealsfor preventing moisture/water intrusion.

Referring to FIG. 26, the first connector 332 includes a connectorhousing 339 including a main body 336 and a cover 341. The connectorhousing 339 extends from a distal end to a proximal end (distal andproximal are defined with respect to the connection with the first fiberoptic cable for connector 332). A ferrule assembly 343 mounts adjacentthe distal end of the connector housing 339 and a strain relief boot 342mounts adjacent the proximal end of the connector housing 339. A sealingmember 349 (e.g., an o-ring seal) mounts around a periphery/exterior ofthe connector housing 339. The sealing member 349 is adapted forproviding a seal between the connector housing 339 and the adapter 36when the first connector 332 is plugged into the first port 37 of theadapter 36. The first connector 332 also includes a crimp band 338 thatmounts over the main body 336 and the cover 341, and a sealing tube 306that seals the interface between the first cable and the connectorhousing 339. The crimp band 338 assists in retaining the cover 341 onthe main body 336 and also assists in securing strength members 324 ofthe first cable in place between the cover 341 and the main body 336.The first connector 332 also includes first and second fasteningstructures for retaining (i.e., connecting, securing, etc.) the firstconnector 332 within the first port 37 of the adapter 36. For example,the first connector 332 can include a latch 350 for mechanicallyinterlocking with the adapter 36 when the first connector 332 isinserted in the first port 37. The first connector 332 also includes acoupling nut 340 adapted to thread into the adapter 36 to retain thefirst connector 332 within the first port 37 of the adapter 36.

The coupling nut 40 of the first connector 32 is adapted to provide asecond connection mechanism for securing the first connector 32 to theadapter 34. After the latch 50 has interlocked with the adapter 34, thecoupling nut 40 can be threaded into corresponding threads providedwithin the first port 35 so as to provide a second connection with theadapter 34. The coupling nut 40 provides a connection with the adapter34 that has a substantially greater pull-out resistance from thepull-out resistance provided by the latch 50. In one example embodiment,the coupling nut 40 retains the first connector 32 in the first port 35even if a pull-out force of at least 100 pounds is applied to the firstconnector 32.

The coupling nut 340 of the first connector 332 includes a first regionand a second region. The first region includes a plurality of grooves tofacilitate grasping of the first region, such as by a field technicianor other user during connection or disconnection of the connector 332with the adapter 36. The grooves are for example a plurality oflongitudinally oriented grooves that enable a user to more easily rotatethe coupling nut 340. Turning of the coupling nut 340 enables aconnection means of the second region to engage or disengage with theadapter 36. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the secondregion includes a connection means of exterior screw threads adapted tomate with internal threads provided within the first port 37 of theadapter 36. In another embodiment, other connection means may also beused.

The exterior of the connector housing 339 includes a circumferentialgroove for mounting the sealing member 349. The exterior of the housing339 also includes circumferential shoulders, against which the crimpband 338 can abut after assembly of the connector, and a circumferentialshoulder.

After the cover 341 has been connected with the body 336 and the firstcable, the crimp band 338 is slid over a part of the connector housing339 and crimped in place to hold the cover 341 securely onto the body336. The sealing tube 306 is then slid over a portion of the crimp band338 so as to cover the end of the first cable, the proximal end of theconnector housing 339 and at least a portion of the crimp band 338. Heatis then applied to the sealing tube 306 to cause the sealing tube 306 toshrink and tightly form around the adjacent portions of the connectorhousing 339, the crimp band 338, and the first cable, to seal connectorfrom foreign substances. The sealing member 349 is then mounted with thegroove about the connector housing 339 to complete the installation ofconnector 332 onto the first cable. The boot 342 retains the couplingnut 340 on the connector housing 339.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 26, the adapter 36 of the fiber opticconnection system includes an outer housing 344 having a first housingpiece 345 that interconnects with a second housing piece 347. The firsthousing piece 345 defines a first end of the outer housing 344 at whichthe first port 37 is located. The second housing piece 347 defines asecond end of the outer housing 344 at which the second port 38 islocated. An adapter assembly mounts within the outer housing 344. Theadapter 36 also includes a mounting ring or nut 346 that mounts aroundthe exterior of the outer housing 344.

The first housing piece 345 of the adapter 36 includes a first regionseparated from a second region by a shoulder. The first and secondregions have generally cylindrical outer shapes and the shoulderprovides a diameter reduction from the first region to the secondregion. The second region defines external threads located adjacent theshoulder. The external threads are sized to mate with correspondinginternal threads 368 of the mounting nut 346 such that the mounting nut346 can be threaded on the second region of the first housing piece 345.The second region also includes a pair of oppositely positioned latchesfor use in securing the first housing piece 345 to the second housingpiece 347.

The first region defines the first port 37 of the adapter 36. Internalthreads are provided within the first region adjacent the first end ofthe housing 344. The internal threads within the first port 37 are sizedto threadingly receive the exterior screw threads of the coupling nut340 when the coupling nut is threaded into the first port 37 to providea secure connection between the first connector 332 and the adapter 36.

The first housing piece 345 defines an annular sealing surfacepositioned inside the first housing piece 345 at a location adjacent tothe internal threads. An angled diameter transition decreases theinternal diameter of the first port 37 from the internal threads to theannular sealing surface. The annular sealing surface is preferablygenerally cylindrical and is adapted to engage the sealing member 349 ofthe first connector 332 when the first connector 332 is fully insertedwithin the first port 37. The interface between the annular sealingsurface and the sealing member 349 provides an internal environmentalseal between the first connector 332 and the adapter 36.

The fiber optic connection system preferably has a compact configurationadapted to provide relatively high circuit densities. In one embodiment,the diameter D1 of the sealing member 349 and the diameter D2 of theannular sealing surface each are less than or equal to 15 mm. In analternate embodiment, the diameter D1 of the sealing member 349 and thediameter D2 of the annular sealing surface each are less than or equalto 12.5 mm. In another embodiment, the diameter D1 of the sealing member349 and the diameter D2 of the annular sealing surface each are lessthan or equal to 10 mm.

As the footprint area of the terminal 10 decreases, the adapter densityof the terminal 10 increases. In the present disclosure, adapter densityis defined as the number of adapters 36 per footprint area of theterminal 10. The adapter density can be simplified to the number ofadapters per square inch. A terminal 10 having a high adapter density isdesired as this provides a more efficient utilization of space than aterminal 10 having a lower adapter density. In the subject embodiment,and by way of example only, adapter density is greater than or equal toabout 12 adapters per 25 in², or 0.48 adapters/in². In anotherembodiment, and by way of example only, the adapter density is greaterthan or equal to about 12 adapters per 21 in², or 0.57 adapters/in². Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5 where dual SC adapters are used, theadapter density, by way of example only, is greater than or equal toabout 24 adapters per 25 in², or 0.96 adapters/in². In anotherembodiment where dual SC adapters are used, the adapter density, by wayof example only, is greater than or equal to about 1.14 adapters/in².

Referring now to FIG. 2, the top and bottom walls 24, 26 and thesidewalls 28 define an interior cavity 40. The interior cavity 40includes an open end 42 disposed on the rear surface 22 of the cover 18.

The bottom wall 26 of the cover 18 includes a tail piece 44 that extendsoutwardly from the bottom wall 26. In the subject embodiment, the tailpiece 44 extends outwardly in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the bottom wall 26. The tail piece 44 defines alongitudinal axis 46 (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 2). The tail piece44 further defines a cable opening 48 that extends through the tailpiece 44 along the longitudinal axis 46 such that the cable opening 48is in communication with the interior cavity 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, an anchor block, generally designated50, for use in mechanically securing the fiber distribution cable 12 tothe housing 14 will be described. The anchor block 50 includes a mainbody 52 that extends from a first end 54 to a second end 56 of theanchor block 50. The main body 52 is elongated along a center axis 58(shown as a dashed line in FIG. 6) of the anchor block 50. The main body52 of the anchor block 50 is configured to mechanically interlock withthe cover 18 of the terminal 10. In the subject embodiment, and by wayof example only, the main body 52 includes first and second interlockingtabs 60, 62 that project outwardly from the main body 52 in oppositedirections relative to the center axis 58. The first and secondinterlocking tabs 60, 62 are configured to be received withincorresponding first and second interlock receptacles provided within theinterior cavity 40 of the cover 18 adjacent to the bottom end 26. Whenthe first and second interlocking tabs 60, 62 are inserted into thecorresponding first and second interlock receptacles, interferencebetween the first and second interlocking tabs 60, 62 and the structureforming the corresponding first and second interlock receptacles resistsmovement of the anchor block 50 in a direction along the center axis 58.

With the first and second interlocking tabs 60, 62 disposed in thecorresponding first and second interlock receptacles, the first end 54of the anchor block 50 is disposed in the interior cavity 40 of thecover 18 while the second end 56 of the anchor block 50 is disposed inthe cable opening 48 of the tail piece 44. In one embodiment, and by wayof example only, the length of the anchor block 50 disposed in the cableopening 48 of the tail piece 44 is greater than 25%. In anotherembodiment, and by way of example only, the length of the anchor block50 disposed in the cable opening 48 of the tail piece 44 is greater than50%. In another embodiment, the length of the anchor block disposed inthe cable opening 48 of the tail piece 44 is in the range of 25% to 50%.

The anchor block 50 also includes structure for securing the fiberdistribution cable 12 to the main body 52. In the subject embodiment,and by way of example only, the second end 56 includes a central groove64 for receiving a central buffer tube of the fiber distribution cable12. The second end 56 also includes two side grooves 66 that aregenerally parallel to the central groove 64 and positioned on oppositesides of the central groove 64. The side grooves 66 are sized to receivestrength members of the fiber distribution cable 12. By placing thestrength members in the side grooves 66 and the central buffer tube inthe central groove 64, and then applying a securing material (e.g.,adhesive such as epoxy) to the central groove 64 and the side grooves66, the fiber distribution cable 12 is secured to the anchor block 50.

The anchor block 50 also includes a fan-out portion, generallydesignated 68, that fans-out/spreads-apart optical fibers of the fiberdistribution cable 12 that are routed and managed within the interiorcavity 40 of the cover 18. In the subject embodiment, and by way ofexample only, the anchor block 50 includes a fan-out channel 70 thatextends from the central groove 64 to the first end 54 of the main body52 of the anchor block 50. The fan-out channel 70 has a width W₁ thatgradually widens as the fan-out channel 70 extends along the center axis58 from the central groove 64 to the first end 54 of the anchor block50.

A divider 72 (see FIG. 7) is located within the fan-out channel 70 atthe first end 54 of the anchor block 50. The divider 72 includes aplurality of openings 74 that individually receive the optical fibers tomaintain separation of the optical fibers. In practice, the opticalfibers extend from the end of the central buffer tube through thefan-out channel 70 to the divider 72. At the divider 72, the opticalfibers each extend through one of the openings 74 of the divider 72. Thetapered configuration of the fan-out channel 70 allows the opticalfibers to spread apart as the optical fibers extend from the end of thecentral buffer tube at the central groove 64 to the divider 72. Asecuring material (e.g., an adhesive such as epoxy) can be used to fillthe fan-out channel 70 after the optical fibers have been positionedtherein to maintain position of the optical fibers.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 8, a cable seal, generally designated 76,for sealing the fiber distribution cable 12 in the tail piece 44 of thecover 18 is shown. In the subject embodiment, the cable seal 76 is madeof an elastic material such as rubber. The cable seal 76 includes afirst surface 78, an oppositely disposed second surface 80 and aplurality of side surfaces 82. In the subject embodiment, the cable seal76 further includes a plurality of chamfers 84 that are located betweenthe first surface 78 and each of the side surfaces 82.

The cable seal 76 defines a cable entry hole 86 that extends through thecable seal 76. In the subject embodiment, the cable entry hole 86extends through the cable seal 76 in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the first surface 78. The cable entry hole 86 is sizedto receive and sealing engage the fiber distribution cable 12. In thesubject embodiment, the cable entry hole 86 is generally shaped as anelongated circle in order to conform to the fiber distribution cable 12.It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosureis not limited to the cable entry hole 86 being shaped as an elongatedcircle.

The cable seal 76 is configured to be inserted into the cable opening 48of the tail piece 44. In the subject embodiment, the cable seal 76 isinserted into the cable opening 48 such that the first surface 78 facesthe interior cavity 40 of the cover. The chamfers 84, which are disposedbetween the first surface 78 and each of the side surfaces 82, ease theinsertion of the cable seal 76 in the cable opening 48. When insertedinto the cable opening 48, the side surfaces 82 of the cable seal 76 arein sealing engagement with the tail piece 44. Thus, the cable seal 76provides sealing engagement between the cable opening 48 of the tailpiece 44 and the fiber distribution cable 12.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the terminal 10 willbe described. In the subject embodiment, the terminal 10 includes thebase 16 and the cover 18. The base 16 is adapted for snap-fit engagementwith the cover 18 through a latch 88, which is disposed on eachlongitudinal side 90 of the base, having a plurality of openings 92adapted for engagement with a plurality of protrusions 94 disposed oneach of the sidewalls 28 of the cover 18. In this alternate embodiment,the terminal 10 further includes a fiber routing tray, generallydesignated 96.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, the fiber routing tray 96 includes a toppanel 98, a bottom panel 100, and first and second side panels 102 a,102 b disposed about the periphery of the top and bottom panels 98, 100(directional references such as top and bottom are made with regard toFIG. 10). In the subject embodiment, the top panel 98 is disposed abovethe bottom panel 100 such that the top and bottom panels 98, 100 definea storage space 104 (best shown in FIG. 12) between the top and bottompanels 98, 100. The first side panel 102 a is in connected engagementwith both of the top and bottom panels 98, 100 while the second sidepanel 102 b is in connected engagement with the bottom panel 100. In thesubject embodiment, each of the first and second side panels 102 a, 102b extend between the top and bottom panels 98, 100 in a direction thatis generally perpendicular to the top and bottom panels 98, 100. It willbe understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the first and second side panels 102 a, 102 b extendingbetween the top and bottom panels 98, 100 in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular.

The bottom panel 100 includes a plurality mounting holes 106. Themounting holes 106 are sized to receive mounting pins 108 (shown in FIG.9) disposed in the interior cavity 40 of the cover 18. In the subjectembodiment, and by way of example only, there are four mounting holes106 disposed in the bottom panel 100 with two mounting holes 106disposed at a first end portion 110 of the bottom panel 100 and twomounting holes disposed at a bottom end portion 112. The engagement ofthe mounting holes 106 and the mounting pins 108 provide for properalignment and retention of the fiber routing tray 96 in the interiorcavity 40 of the cover 18.

In the subject embodiment, the top panel 98 also includes a plurality ofholes 113 adapted to receive the mounting pins 108 disposed in theinterior cavity 40 of the cover 18. In the subject embodiment, and byway of example only, there are two holes 113 disposed on the top panel98 so as to be in alignment with the mounting holes 106 disposed on thebottom panel 100 at the bottom end portion 112.

In the subject embodiment, the bottom panel 100 further includes a rampportion 114 disposed at the bottom end portion 112 of the bottom panel100. The ramp portion 114 is disposed at an angle β with respect to thebottom end portion 112 of the bottom panel 100. In the subjectembodiment, and by way of example only, the ramp portion 114 is disposedat an angle that is less than or equal to 45 degrees from the bottom endportion 112 of the bottom panel 100. The ramp portion 114 provides alocation for optical fibers 124 disposed in the interior cavity 40 ofthe cover 18 and engaged with the adapters 36 to enter the storage space104 of the fiber routing tray 96.

In the subject embodiment, the fiber routing tray 96 is a continuouspiece of material. To assembly the fiber routing tray 96, the secondside panel 102 b is bent at a first fold 116, which is disposed betweenthe bottom panel 100 and the second side panel 102 b, such that thesecond side panel 102 b is generally perpendicular to the bottom panel100. The first side panel 102 a is bent at a second fold 118 disposedbetween the bottom panel 100 and the first side panel 102 a such thatthe first side panel 102 a is generally perpendicular to the bottompanel 100. The top panel 98 is bent at a third fold 120 disposed betweenthe top panel 98 and the first side panel 102 a such that the top panel98 is generally perpendicular to the first side panel 102 a. The rampportion 114 is bent at a forth fold 122 disposed between the rampportion 114 and the bottom end portion 112 of the bottom panel 100 suchthat the ramp portion 114 is disposed at an angle β with respect to thebottom end portion 112 of the bottom panel 100.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cable routing schematic for the terminal 10with the fiber routing tray 96 is shown. In the subject embodiment,optical fibers 124 that are engaged with the adapters 36 are routed intothe storage space 104 of the fiber routing tray 96 through the rampportion 114 of the bottom panel 100. In a preferred embodiment, theoptical fibers 124 are bend insensitive fibers. An exemplary bendinsensitive fiber is BendBright XS produced by Draka Comteq. It will beunderstood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to BendBright XS fiber as various bend insensitive fibers couldbe used. Exemplary disclosures of bend insensitive fibers include U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,838,643 and 5,278,931, both of which are hereby incorporatedby reference. In the event that bend insensitive fibers are not used,bend radius protectors may be installed to prevent attenuation of theoptical fibers 124.

The optical fibers 124 are routed from the ramp portion 114 of thebottom panel 100 through a passage 126 defined between one of themounting pins 108 and the adjacent sidewall 28 (shown as a dashed linein FIG. 13) of the cover 18. The optical fibers 124 are then looselycoiled in the storage space 104 such that the coils of optical fibers124 are interiorly disposed with respect to the mounting pins 108.

The optical fibers 124 are in connected engagement with a fan-out device128 that combines the individual optical fibers 124 into a multi-fiberoptic cable 130. The multi-fiber optic cable 130 then exits the storagespace 104 of the fiber routing tray 96 and the interior cavity 40 of thecover 18 through the cable opening 48 of the tail piece 44.

In the subject embodiment, a multi-fiber splice 132 connects themulti-fiber optic cable 130 to the fiber distribution cable 12. In orderto assist in splicing the multi-fiber optic cable 130 to the fiberdistribution cable 12, the multi-fiber optic cable 130 can be pulledfrom the storage space 104 of the fiber routing tray 96 through thecable opening 48 of the tail piece 44 of the cover 18. The looselycoiled arrangement of optical fibers 124 in the storage space 104 of thefiber routing tray 96 allows for the multi-fiber optic cable 130 to bepulled from the storage space 104 without having to disassemble thehousing 14. This is advantageous as it does not disrupt or create anypotential disruption of the connections between the pre-assembledoptical fibers 124 and the adapters 36. While the multi-fiber opticcable 130 can be pulled from the terminal 10, the multi-fiber opticcable 130 is protected from being pulled too far out of the tail piece44 by the routing of the optical fibers 124 through the passage 126,which is disposed between one of the mounting pins 108 and the adjacentsidewall 28 of the cover 18. In the event that the multi-fiber opticcable 130 is pulled beyond a given length stored in the storage space104 of the fiber routing tray 96, the optical fibers 124 will rap aroundthe mounting pin 108 thereby providing resistance which will notify theinstaller that the storage limit has been reached.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a retention device, generally designated 134,for securing the fiber distribution cable 12 to the terminal 10 aftersplicing the fiber distribution cable 12 to the multi-fiber optic cable130 will be described. The retention device 134 is connectedly engagedwith the tailpiece 44 of the cover 18 of the housing 14 such that theretention device 134 extends outwardly from the tail piece 44. In thesubject embodiment, the retention device 134 extends outwardly from thetail piece 44 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to thebottom wall 26 of the cover 18.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the retention device 134 includes a basepiece, generally designated 136, a body, generally designated 138, and acover piece, generally designated 140. In the subject embodiment, thebase piece 136 is an integral part of the tail piece 44 of the cover 18.It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosureis not limited to the base piece 136 being integral with the tail piece44. The base piece 136 includes longitudinal sidewalls 142 with eachlongitudinal sidewall 142 having a catch 144. The base piece 136 defineslongitudinal slots 146. In the subject embodiment, and by way of exampleonly, there are two longitudinal slots 146. The longitudinal slots 146are oriented in the base piece 136 so as to be generally parallel to thecenter axis 58 of the tail piece 44. It will be understood, however,that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to thelongitudinal slots 146 being generally parallel to the center axis 58 ofthe tail piece 44.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the body 138 of the retention device 134 willbe described. The body 138 includes a lower surface 148, an oppositelydisposed upper surface 150, a front side 152, a back side 154, andlongitudinal sides 156 (directional references such as upper, lower,front and back are relative to FIG. 16). The body 138 further includes acentral axis 158 that is centrally disposed in the body 138.

The lower surface 148 includes longitudinal protrusions 160 that extenddownwardly from the lower surface 148 in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the lower surface 148. The longitudinal protrusions 152are configured to be received in the longitudinal slots 146 of the basepiece 136 in order to aid in the retention of the body 138 in the basepiece 136.

The upper surface 150 defines a fiber passage, generally designated 161.The fiber passage 161 includes a cable jacket cavity 162 disposed nearthe front side 152 of the body 138. The cable jacket cavity 162 isadapted to receive the cable jacket of the fiber distribution cable 12.In one embodiment, the cable jacket cavity 162 includes a plurality ofgrasping protrusions that extend outwardly from the cable jacket cavity162. The grasping protrusions aid in the retention of the fiberdistribution cable 12 in the retention device 134.

The fiber passage 161 further includes a first center groove 164disposed adjacent to the cable jacket cavity 162. In the subjectembodiment, the first center groove 164 is aligned with the central axis158 of the body 138. In the subject embodiment, the first center groove164 is adapted to receive a buffer tube of the fiber distribution cable12. Disposed on either side of the first center groove 164 are sidegrooves 166. In the subject embodiment, the side grooves 166 aregenerally parallel to the first center groove 164. The side grooves 166are adapted to receive strength members of the fiber distribution cable12.

The fiber passage 161 defined by the upper surface 150 of the body 138further includes a recess 168 disposed adjacent to the first centergroove 164 and the side grooves 166. The recess 168 is the dividing linebetween the fiber distribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable130. The recess 168 is adapted to receive the multi-fiber splice 132that optically couples the optical fibers of the fiber distributioncable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130 and a crimp that couplesand retains the strength members of the fiber distribution cable 12 tostrength members in the multi-fiber optic cable 130.

The fiber passage 161 also includes a second center groove 170 thatextends from the recess 168 through the back side 154 of the body 138.In the subject embodiment, the second center groove 170 is aligned withthe central axis 158 of the body 138. In the subject embodiment, thesecond center groove 170 is adapted to receive a buffer tube of themulti-fiber optic cable 130. Disposed on either side of the secondcenter groove 170 are grooves 172. In the subject embodiment, thegrooves 172 are generally parallel to the second center groove 170. Thegrooves 172 are adapted to receive strength members of the multi-fiberoptic cable 130.

In the subject embodiment, a plurality of adhesive recesses 174 isdefined by the upper surface 150 of the body 138. In the subjectembodiment, and by way of example only, there are two adhesive recesses174 with one adhesive recess 174 disposed on each side of the fiberpassage 161. The adhesive recesses 174 provide a receptacle for adhesive(such as epoxy, etc.). The adhesive can be used to secure the fiberdistribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130 in theretention device 134. The type of adhesive used in the adhesive recesses174 will affect the force required to remove the fiber distributioncable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130 by pulling on the cables(pull-out force). Each adhesive recess 174 defines a plurality ofadhesive passages 176 that provide communication between the adhesiverecess 174 and the fiber passage 161. The adhesive passages 176 allowfor adhesive that is poured into the adhesive recesses 174 to flow intothe fiber passage 161.

In the subject embodiment, each of the longitudinal sides 156 of thebody 138 defines a latch groove 178. In the subject embodiment, and byway of example only, there are two latch grooves 178 disposed on eachlongitudinal side 156.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the cover piece 140 will be described.The cover piece 140 includes a top surface 180, a bottom surface 182, atail-piece end 184, and a distribution cable end 186 (directionalreferences such as top and bottom are relative to FIG. 14). Thetail-piece end 184 includes a retention protrusion, generally designated188, having a body portion 190 and a retention portion 192. In thesubject embodiment, the body portion 190 of the retention protrusion 188extends outwardly from the top surface 180 in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the top surface 180. It will be understood,however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to thebody portion 190 of the retention protrusion 188 extending outwardly ina direction that is generally perpendicular to the top surface 180.

The retention portion 192 of the retention protrusion 188 extendsoutwardly from the body portion 190 and defines a retention groove 194.The retention groove 194 extends along the length of the retentionportion 192 such that the retention groove 194 is generally transverseto a central longitudinal axis 196 defined by the cover piece 140. Inthe subject embodiment, the retention protrusion 188 is hook-shaped.This configuration allows the retention protrusion 188 to receive a lip198 (shown on FIG. 15) disposed around the tail piece 44 of the cover 18for laterally retaining the retention device 134 to the cover 18.

The bottom surface 182 of the cover piece 140 defines a cable passage,generally designated 200. The cable passage 200 includes a jacket cavity202, a first cable recess 204 disposed adjacent to the jacket cavity 202and aligned generally with the central longitudinal axis 196, a strengthgroove 206 disposed on either side of the first cable recess 204 anddisposed generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 196, acrimp recess 208 disposed adjacent to the first cable recess 204, asecond cable recess 210 that extends from the crimp recess 208 throughthe back side 186 of the cover piece and is generally aligned with thecentral longitudinal axis 196, and a strength member groove 212 disposedon either side of the second cable recess 210.

The cavities and recesses defined on the bottom surface 182 of the coverpiece 140 are oriented on the bottom surface 182 so that the cavitiesand recesses are aligned with the cavities and recesses defined on theupper surface 150 of the body 138 when the body 138 and the cover 140are engaged.

The cover 140 further includes a plurality of resilient latches,generally designated 214. In the subject embodiment, and by way ofexample only, there are four resilient latches 214 with two resilientlatches 214 disposed on each side 216 of the cover piece 140. Each ofthe resilient latches 214 includes a base end 218 and an oppositelydisposed free end 220. The base end 218 is in connected engagement withthe side 216. The free end 220 of the resilient latch 214 extendsoutwardly from the side 216 in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to an outer edge 222 of the side 216. In the subjectembodiment, the base end 218 of the resilient latch 214 is integral withthe side 216. The free end 220 includes a lip protrusion 224 and asloped surface 226.

Referring now to FIG. 15-18, the body 138 of the retention device 134 isinserted into the base piece 136 such that the longitudinal slots 146receive the longitudinal protrusions 160. With the body 138 engaged withthe base piece 136, the multi-fiber splice 132, which connects the fiberdistribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130, is insertedinto the recess 168 of the body 138 of the retention device 134. Themulti-fiber splice 132 is inserted into the recess 168 such that thecable jacket, the buffer tube, and strength members of the fiberdistribution cable 12 are inserted into the cable jacket cavity 162, thefirst center groove 164 and the side grooves 166, respectively, and thebuffer tube and the strength members of the multi-fiber optic cable 130are inserted into the second center groove 164 and the grooves 172,respectively. With the multi-fiber splice 132 properly inserted into thebody 138, the cover piece 140 is engaged with the base piece 136 suchthat the fiber distribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130are disposed in the fiber passage 200 of the bottom surface 182 of thecover piece 140. The cover piece 140 is then pressed toward the basepiece 136 such that the resilient latches 214 of the cover piece 140engage the catches 144 of the base piece 136. Epoxy can be added to thebody 138 and/or the cover piece 140 prior to the engagement of the coverpiece with the base piece 136 in order to secure the fiber distributioncable 12 in the retention device 134.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a boot 228 is molded over the retention device134 and the tail piece 44 of the cover 18 following the installation ofthe fiber distribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130 inthe retention device 134. In the subject embodiment, the boot 228includes a plurality of strain relief grooves 230 disposed near a cableend 232 of the boot 228.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, a method for installing the terminal 10will be described. The multi-fiber optic cable 130 is pulled from theinterior cavity 40 through the tail end 44 of the housing 14. In thesubject embodiment, the multi-fiber optic cable 130 is then spliced tothe fiber distribution cable 12 with a multi-fiber splice 132.

With the multi-fiber optic cable 130 spliced to the fiber distributioncable 12, the multi-fiber optic cable 130 is inserted back into theinterior cavity 40 of the housing 14 through the tail end 44 of thecover 18. A spliced end of the multi-fiber optic cable 130, themulti-fiber splice 132, and a spliced end of the fiber distributioncable 12 are then inserted into the body 138 of the retention device134. In one embodiment, epoxy is installed in the adhesive recesses 174of the body 138 to secure the fiber distribution cable 12 in theretention device 134. The cover piece 140 is then inserted over the body138 of the retention device 134 such that the resilient latches 214 ofthe cover piece 140 engage the catches 144 of the base piece 136.

Referring now to FIG. 22, with the retention device 134 securing thefiber distribution cable 12 to the housing 14, the boot 228 is moldedover the retention device 134 to prevent dust, rain, snow, or ice fromentering the terminal 10. The boot 228 is molded over a portion of thetail end 44 of the cover 18, the retention device 134 and an end portionof the fiber distribution cable 12.

Referring now to FIG. 23, an alternate embodiment of a retention device400 is shown. The retention device 400 includes the base piece 136, abody 402, and a cover piece 404. In the subject embodiment, the body 402and the cover piece 404 are similar to the body 138 and the cover piece140 described with regard to the retention device 134. However, in thealternate embodiment of the retention device 400, each of the body 402and the cover piece 404 include a grounding opening 405 (shown in FIG.24) that is adapted to receive a grounding lug assembly, generallydesignated 406. The grounding opening 405 is defined near fiberdistribution cable ends 407 (shown in FIG. 24) of the body 402 and thecover piece 404. In the subject embodiment, the grounding opening 405extends through a cable jacket recess 409 defined at the fiberdistribution cable ends 407 of the body 402 and the cover piece 404. Aplurality of embodiments of the grounding lug assembly 406 has beenprovided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/157,561 (now U.S. Pat.No. 7,492,996), which was filed on Jun. 21, 2005 and is herebyincorporated by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the grounding lug assembly 406 includes a lug408, a compression insert 410, and a nut 412. The lug 408 includes afirst axial end portion 414 and a second axial end portion 416. In thesubject embodiment, the first axial end portion 414 is bifurcated withexternal threads 418, which are adapted to engage with the nut 412,disposed on an outer surface of the first axial end portion 414. Thefirst axial end portion 414 defines a cable slot 420 which is adapted toreceive cable sheathing 422 that covers the fiber distribution cable 12.In the subject embodiment, cable sheathing 422 (or cable armor) is asheathing that is made of steel or aluminum.

In the subject embodiment, the second axial end portion 416 of the lug408 includes a plurality of threads 423 disposed on an outer surface ofthe second axial end portion 416. The plurality of threads 423 isadapted to threadedly engage internal threads disposed on a groundingnut 424. The second axial end portion 416 is adapted to engage agrounding wire (such as a #6 wire).

The compression insert 410 includes an upper portion 425 having curvedend surfaces 426. The upper portion 425 fits within the nut 412 and hasa slightly smaller diameter than the curvature of the external threads418 on the first axial end portion 414 so as not to interfere withadvancement of the nut 412 along the external threads 418.

The compression insert 410 further includes a lower portion 428 having anut engaging surface 430 and a cable engaging surface 432. The nutengaging surface 430 includes a plurality of nut engaging tabs 434 thatare configured for engaging the nut 412 as it advances along theexternal threads 418 of the first axial end portion 414.

The cable engaging surface 432 defines a cable recess 436 having a pairof shoulders 438 disposed along the cable recess 436. The cable recess 4is adapted for receiving the cable sheathing 422 of the fiberdistribution cable 12. The shoulders 438 are adapted to engagecorresponding shoulders 440 disposed in the cable slot 420. Theengagement of the shoulders 438 and the corresponding shoulders 440prevents over compression of the fiber distribution cable 12, whichmight lead to damage of the optical fibers within the fiber distributioncable 12.

Referring now to FIG. 25, an alternate embodiment of a protective boot442 is shown. The protective boot 442 is molded over the retentiondevice 400, a portion of the tail piece 44 of the cover 18, and aportion of the grounding lug assembly 406 following the installation ofthe fiber distribution cable 12 and the multi-fiber optic cable 130 inthe retention device 400. The protective boot 442 includes a pluralityof strain relief grooves 444 disposed near a cable end 446 of theprotective boot 442.

In the subject embodiment, the second axial end portion 416 and thegrounding nut 425 are not over molded by the protective boot 442. Thisexposure of the second axial end portion 416 and the grounding nut 425allows the cable sheathing 422 to be grounded by a grounding wire.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

1. A terminal for mounting to a fiber distribution cable, comprising ahousing including: a base; and a cover connectedly engaged with thebase, the cover and the base defining an interior cavity; and aplurality of adapters adapted for outside environmental use disposed onthe cover, each of the plurality of adapters including a first port forreceiving a first fiber optic connector from outside the housing and asecond port for receiving a second fiber optic connector from inside thehousing, wherein the first ports are sealed to prevent moisture or waterintrusion into the interior cavity of the housing, and wherein each ofthe first ports includes internal threads adapted to mate withcorresponding threads of the first fiber optic connectors; wherein theterminal has an adapter density that is greater than or equal to 0.48adapters/in².
 2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the terminal has anadapter density that is greater than or equal to 0.57 adapters/in². 3.The terminal of claim 1, wherein the terminal has an adapter densitythat is greater than or equal to 0.96 adapters/in².
 4. The terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the terminal has an adapter density that is greaterthan or equal to 1.14 adapters/in².
 5. The terminal of claim 1, whereinthe cover includes a plurality of angled steps with each angled stepdefining a plurality of mounting surfaces, and wherein adapters of theplurality of adapters are disposed on each of the angled steps such thatone adapter is disposed on each mounting surface.
 6. The terminal ofclaim 5, wherein the angled steps are configured on an outer surface ofthe cover in arcuate shaped rows.
 7. The terminal of claim 5, whereineach angled step forms an oblique angle with the base and each mountingsurface forms an oblique mating angle with an adjacent mounting surfaceon the angles step.
 8. The terminal of claim 5, wherein the adaptersbeing arcuately oriented on each of the angles steps.
 9. The terminal ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of adapters include anouter housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first endis the first port having internal threads adapted to receive exteriorthreads of the first fiber optic connector.
 10. The terminal of claim 9,wherein the outer housing of at least one of the plurality of adaptersdefines a sealing surface positioned inside the outer housing, thesealing surface being adapted to engage a sealing member of the firstfiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector is insertedwithin the first port.